Method and apparatus for a signal indicator light

ABSTRACT

A lighting module is shown and described having a housing with an opening therethrough. A forward portion of the opening may be enclosed by a cap and a rearward portion of the opening may be enclosed by a transparent media. A second media may extend from the opening through a wall of the housing. The cap may be securable to a bar via a mounting apparatus. A PCBA with one or more operational groups of LEDs may be secured within the opening, such that light may be emitted through the media. A second PCBA with one or more operational groups of LEDs may be secured within the opening, such that light may be emitted through the second media. Each operational group may be integrated with a control system of a vehicle, and may be operated individually or collectively. Each operational group may correspond to similar or different colors of light.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to lighting systems, and moreparticularly to lighting systems distributing light in a rearwarddirection from a vehicle that is indicative of automatically and/ormanually generated signaling.

BACKGROUND

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been utilized since about the 1960s.However, for the first few decades of use, the relatively low lightoutput and narrow range of colored illumination limited the LEDutilization role to specialized applications (e.g., indicator lamps). Aslight output improved, LED utilization within other lighting systems,such as within LED “EXIT” signs and LED traffic signals, began toincrease. Over the last several years, the white light output capacityof LEDs has more than tripled, thereby allowing the LED to become thelighting solution of choice for a wide range of lighting solutions.

For example, the off-road vehicle market has seen a broad shift towardthe use of LEDs in lighting systems due to poor visibility duringoff-road operation of the off-road vehicle that may be caused by anynumber of environmental, vehicular, or other conditions. For example,heavy wind, rain, snow, sleet, or other precipitation or particulates inthe air may reduce visibility. Further, the off-road vehicle may havelimited mounting locations for lighting systems, thereby limiting thevehicle's light output. Further, an operator may have to makecompromises between which lighting modules to mount within the systemdue to limited space, which may limit his ability to signal vehicleoperations to other vehicles in the area.

In general, lighting systems are mounted to an off-road vehicle by amounting apparatus. Further, lighting systems become increasinglyheavier with the addition of more and more lighting modules. Thus, thelarger the system, the greater the strain on the mounting apparatus. Forexample, lighting systems may frequently shift, rotate, or break off ofthe off-road vehicle due to failure of the mounting apparatus duringoperation of the off-road vehicle on uneven terrain.

Efforts continue, therefore, to develop lighting systems which maximizelight output, minimize weight and use of mounting space, and enable allrequired and optional signaling options to be performed.

SUMMARY

To overcome limitations in the prior art, and to overcome otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, various embodiments of the present inventiondisclose a method and apparatus for a lighting device that is responsiveto both manual signaling and automatic signaling.

In accordance with one embodiment or the invention, a lighting module,coupled to a vehicle control system, comprises a housing with a firstopening therein, a first operational group of light sources arrangedwithin the opening and configured to emit light in response to a firstvehicle operating condition, a second operational group of light sourcesarranged within the opening and configured to emit light in response toa second vehicle operating condition, and a third operational group oflight sources arranged within the opening and configured to emit lightindependently of any vehicle operating condition.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a lightingsystem, electrically coupled to a vehicle control system, comprises oneor more lighting modules, each of the lighting modules including, ahousing, one or more operational groups of light sources, and acontroller, wherein the controller of each of the one or more lightingmodules communicate with each other in at least one mode of operation ofthe lighting system.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a mountingapparatus, coupled to a fixture, comprises a mounting bracket includinga first surface and a second surface positioned at an angle from thefirst surface, and a mounting arm capable of extending around astructural element, the mounting arm including opposing ends configuredto be coupled to the first and second surfaces, respectively, whereinopposing ends of the mounting arm are moveable with respect to the firstand second surfaces to secure the structural element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparentupon review of the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module mounted on abar of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates interior features of a lighting module according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the lighting module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the lighting module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a lighting system having one ormore lighting modules integrated in a vehicle according to an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the various embodiments of the present invention are appliedto a rearward facing lighting apparatus and a method for distributinglight in a rearward direction from a vehicle. More particularly, theapparatus may include a lighting system integrated with and operable bya control system in a vehicle (e.g., an existing control system withinthe vehicle that facilitates various signaling operations of thevehicle, such as signaling indicative of braking, turning and reversemotion). An operator of the vehicle may operate the lighting systemindependently and/or via the existing control system of the vehicle. Thelighting system may include at least one lighting module, but mayinclude more lighting modules as desired. A single lighting module mayprovide the vehicle operator with a defined set of signaling options,therefor, the addition of one or more additional lighting modules mayincrease the signaling options available to the vehicle operator.

The lighting module may include a housing with an opening therethroughfor containing the various components of the lighting module. Forexample, the opening may contain a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)that may provide electronics, or control circuitry, to regulate powerprovided to one or more light sources electrically connected to thePCBA. For example, the light sources may be light emitting diodes (LEDs)provided on the PCBA, which may include laser diodes provided on thePCBA. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the utilityof various types of light sources in the present invention.

A reflector may be located within the opening to redistribute lightemitted by the one or more LEDs. The opening may be sealed by a cap at aforward end thereof, and by a media at a rearward end thereof. One ormore gaskets may be used to create a seal between the cap and thehousing and/or between the media and the housing. The PCBA may besecured to the cap at the forward end of the opening, such that the LEDsmay emit light rearwardly through the media.

A mounting apparatus may be secured to an exterior of the cap to enablethe lighting module to be secured to a structural element of the vehicle(e.g., a roll bar). The mounting apparatus may be capable ofaccommodating structural elements of different sizes, shapes, and/ordimensions.

Signaling options may be provided by grouping the one or more LEDs ofthe lighting module into one or more operational groups. For example,the lighting module may have one operational group of LEDs. In anotherexample, the lighting module may have two operational groups of LEDs. Inanother example, the lighting modules may have three or more operationalgroups of LEDs. Each operational group may be operable independently,interdependently, and/or collectively at one or more power levels, andin one or more modes of operation. Further, each operational group ofLEDs may have a corresponding color capability. Thus, an operator mayselect an operational mode corresponding to operation of a specificoperational group or groups of LEDs, at a specific power level, and of aparticular color.

The operator may select operational modes during normal operation of thevehicle. For example, ignition of the vehicle may cause the activationof one or more operational groups corresponding to running lights of thevehicle. In another example, application of the braking system of thevehicle may cause the activation of one or more operational groupscorresponding to brake lights. In another example, engagement of thevehicle into a reverse condition of the transmission may cause theactivation of one or more operational groups corresponding to reverselights. In another example, engagement of a turn signal of the vehiclemay cause the activation of one or more operational groups correspondingto turning signals. In another example, engagement of a hazard button ofthe vehicle may cause the activation of one or more operational groupscorresponding to a hazard signal (e.g., strobing). In another example,the operator may desire to see within the interior of the vehicle, ormay desire to see immediately around the exterior of the vehicle, andmay activate one or more operational groups corresponding to scenelighting (e.g., cabin lights, or courtesy lights).

While one lighting module may have any one or more of the abovedescribed features and/or functions, the addition of one or morelighting modules with similar or different operational capabilitiesand/or colors may enable the operator to increase signaling options,increase light output, diversify visual effect, and/or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module 120 mounted ona bar of a vehicle (e.g., bar 105 of an off-road vehicle, not shown).For example, bar 105 may be a bar of a roll cage of the off-roadvehicle. In another example, bar 105 may be a bar of a bumper of theoff-road vehicle. In general, a forward direction is indicated by arrow170 and a rearward direction is indicated by arrow 180. While thepresent embodiment may be described as a rearward facing lighting moduleor a lighting module emitting light in rearward direction 180, a personof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present inventionmay be oriented to emit light in any direction.

Lighting module 120 may include a housing 121 with an opening 122extending therethrough for containing components of the lighting module120. For example, opening 122 may extend entirely through housing 121,or may extend some distance less than entirely through housing 121. Forexample, opening 122 may extend from the forward end of housing 121 tothe rearward end of housing 121. Housing 121 may be formed of metal(e.g., aluminum), plastic (e.g., Lexan resin), composite material (e.g.,glass-filled nylon), and/or any combination thereof. For example, thematerial of housing 121 may be selected to optimize performancecharacteristics such as strength, environmental resistance, and/or tominimize weight.

Housing 121 may have one or more scoops 124 extending through a sidewallof housing 121 to induce air flow across lighting module 120, and/orreduce drag at a rearward portion of lighting module 120. For example,housing 121 may include three scoops 124. In another example, housing121 may include less than three scoops. In another example, housing 121may include more than three scoops.

A forward portion of opening 122 may be enclosed by a forward covering(e.g., cap 130) to seal the forward portion of opening 122 and prevententrance of moisture and/or other contaminants. A PCBA (e.g., PCBA 235of FIG. 2) may be secured within opening 122, and may include one ormore LEDs (e.g., LEDs 270-284 of FIG. 2) and associated controlcircuitry. Cap 130 may include one or more fins 132 for conducting anddissipating heat away from the PCBA and/or the one or more LEDs. Areflector 140 may be placed within opening 122 for redistributing lightfrom the one or more LEDs.

A rearward portion of opening 122 may be enclosed by a rearward covering(e.g., media 150) to seal the rearward portion of opening 122 andprevent entrance of moisture and/or other contaminants. For example, agasket 153 may be used to create a seal between media 150 and housing121. Media 150 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or anycombination thereof (e.g., having transparent and translucent regions).Media 150 may have a rearward surface (e.g., an exterior surface) thatis flat, or curved as exemplified in FIG. 1. For example, the rearwardsurface may be concave.

A mounting apparatus 160 may enable lighting module 120 to be secured tobar 105. Mounting apparatus 160 may be any one or more of a band, abelt, a brace, a bracket, a buttress, a chock, a clamp, a clasp, astrap, and a support. For example, mounting apparatus 160 may include astrap extending entirely around bar 105.

The PCBA and/or one or more LEDs may receive power from a cable 135extending into opening 122. For example, cable 135 may be electricallyconnected to the PCBA. Further, cable 135 may be electrically connectedto a control system (e.g., control system 601 of FIG. 6) of the vehicle.For example, cable 135 may extend into a hollow interior 106 of bar 105,and may extend along a portion of a length of bar 105, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Alternatively, cable 135 may extend along an exterior of bar 105to the vehicle's control system.

FIG. 2 illustrates interior features of a lighting module 220. Thelighting module 220 may include a housing 221 with an opening 222extending therethrough for containing components of the lighting module220. A cap 230 may enclose and/or seal a forward portion of opening 222,and may be secured to housing 221 by one or more bolts, bonds, buckles,catches, clasps, clips, fasteners, hooks, knobs, latches, links, pegs,pins, snaps, or any other connections, or by any combination thereof.For example, cap 230 may be secured to housing 221 with one or morefasteners 238, 248.

A first PCBA 235 may be secured to cap 230 and/or housing 221 withinopening 222 and may include circuitry to control and/or regulate powerto one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 270-284). Further, a second PCBA 236 maybe secured to one or more of cap 230, housing 221, and/or PCB 235 withinopening 222 and may include circuitry to control and/or regulate powerto one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 485 of FIG. 4). For example, PCBA 236may be electrically connected to PCBA 235. PCBAs 235, 236 mayindividually and/or collectively include circuitry for controlling modesof operation of the LEDs (e.g., LEDs 270-234 of FIG. 2 and LEDs 485 ofFIG. 4). PCBA 236 may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to PCBA235, such that light emitted from the one or more LEDs of PCB 236 (e.g.,LEDs 485 of FIG. 4) travels in a direction substantially perpendicularto light emitted from LEDs 270-284 of PCBA 235. In another example, theprincipal optical axes of light emitted from each LED on PCBA 236 may besubstantially perpendicular to the principal optical axes of lightemitted from each LED on PCBA 235.

The LEDs associated with PCBA 235 (e.g., LEDs 270-284) and the LEDsassociated with PCBA 236 (e.g., LEDs 485 of FIG. 4) may be grouped intoone or more operational groups, such that power levels and/or modes ofoperation of each operational group may be controlled individually,interdependently, and/or collectively. Each operational group may beoriented to emit light outwardly from lighting module 220 in aparticular direction or directions and/or in a span of emission. Forexample, the principal axes of light emission of each LED in one or moreoperational groups may be oriented such that light is emittedsubstantially in a single direction (e.g., rearwardly from lightingmodule 220). In another example, the principal axes of light emission ofeach LED in one or more operational groups may be oriented such thatlight is emitted substantially in a plurality of directions (e.g.,rearwardly and downwardly from lighting module 220). In another example,at least one operational group of LEDs may emit light rearwardly. Inanother example, at least one operational group of LEDs may emit lightdownwardly.

LEDs may be grouped into operational groups to enable lighting module220 to be used to signal a plurality of vehicle operating conditions(e.g., to be viewable by other nearby vehicles or persons). For example,each operational group may be associated with a signal corresponding toa vehicle operating condition (e.g., a first operational group may beused to signal a reverse driving condition of the vehicle). In anotherexample, a single operational group may be capable of signaling two ormore vehicle operating conditions (e.g., a second operational group maybe used to indicate driving lights, braking of the vehicle, signaling,or any combination thereof).

LEDs may be grouped into operational groups to produce a particularsignaling effect. For example, all the LEDs may be grouped into oneoperational group. In another example, LEDs 270 and 271 may be groupedinto a first operational group, LEDs 272-284 may be grouped into asecond operational group, and LEDs corresponding to PCB 236 (e.g., LEDs485 of FIG. 4) may be grouped into a third operational group. In anotherexample, LEDs 272-284 may be split into separate operational groups(e.g., LEDs 272, 274, 276, 278, 279, 281, and 283 in one group, and LEDs273, 275, 277, 280, 282, and 284 in another group). A person of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that a plurality of operationalgroupings are possible to optimize signaling effects.

LEDs may be grouped into operational groups corresponding to aparticular color, and each operational group may have the same or adifferent color as each other operational group. For example, eachoperational group may include LEDs emitting any one of white, red,amber, or blue light. In another example, a first operational group mayinclude LEDs emitting white light and a second operational group mayinclude LEDs emitting red light. In another example, a first operationalgroup may include LEDs emitting white light, a second operational groupmay include LEDs emitting red light, and a third operational group mayinclude LEDs emitting white light. In another example, a firstoperational group may include LEDs emitting white light, a secondoperational group may include LEDs emitting amber light, and a thirdoperational group may include LEDs emitting white light. In anotherexample, each operational group of LEDs may be capable of beingprogrammed to produce a wide range of colored light from the visiblespectrum (e.g., RGB LEDs). A person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that a plurality of color combinations are possible tooptimize signal coloring.

LEDs may be grouped into operational groups corresponding to aparticular power level, and each operational group may have similar,different, and/or a plurality of different power levels. For example,LEDs in each operational group may receive power at the same power level(e.g., a consistent current and/or voltage). In another example, LEDs ina first operational group may receive power at a first power level, andLEDs in a second operational group may receive power at a second powerlevel. The first power level may be the same as or different than thesecond power level. In another example, LEDs in the second operationalgroup may receive power at two power levels (e.g., a lower power leveland a higher power level). Each power level may correspond to aluminance of light emitted by the one or more LEDs in that operationalgroup. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that morethan two power levels (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) may be employed, andfurther that power levels may be optimized to achieve a desired lightoutput by the LEDs (e.g., as measured in lumens). For example, it may bedesirable to maximize light output. In another example, it may bedesirable to optimize light output in accordance with industry standardsand/or with government regulations (e.g., SAE standards).

A reflector 240 may be placed within opening 222 and may exhibitmultiple surfaces (e.g., inner surface 242, rearward surface 244 andouter surface 246) for redistributing light from one or more of LEDs270-234. Reflector 240 may be secured to housing 221 and/or cap 230 byone or more bolts, bonds, buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners,hooks, knobs, latches, links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any otherconnections, or by any combination thereof. For example, reflector 240may be secured to housing 221 and/or cap 230 with one or more bolts 248.

Reflector 240 may have one or more reflective surfaces (e.g., surfaces242, 244, 246) for optimizing light reflection from the one or moreLEDs. For example, reflector 240 may have an inner surface 242, whichmay reflect light from one or more LEDs and/or light from a firstoperational group of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 270, 271). In another example,reflector 240 may have a rearward surface 244, which may reflect lightoriginating from outside lighting module 220 (e.g., light emitted fromanother vehicle, or other ambient light). In another example, reflector240 may have an outer surface 246, which may reflect light from one ormore LEDs and/or light from a second operational group of LEDs (e.g.,LEDs 272-284). A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat reflector 240 may reflect light from additional operational groupsof LEDs in a similar manner. Each of the reflective surfaces may beflat, curved, parabolic, cylindrical, spherical, concave, and/or convex,as exemplified by parabolic reflector 340 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a lighting module 320. In general,a forward direction is indicated by arrow 370, and a rearward directionis indicated by arrow 380. While the present embodiment may be describedas a rearward facing lighting module or a lighting module emitting lightin rearward direction 380, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the present invention may be oriented to emit light inany direction.

Lighting module 320 may be mounted at any point along an outercircumference of a bar 305 (e.g., at a rearward portion of bar 305 asshown). Lighting module 320 may include a housing 321 with an opening322 extending therethrough for containing components of the lightingmodule 320. Housing 321 may have one or more scoops 324 extendingthrough a sidewall of housing 321 to induce air flow 390 across lightingmodule 320, and/or reduce drag at a rearward portion of lighting module320. For example, air flow 390 may flow across an upper portion ofhousing 321, may flow through scoop 324, and may exit housing 321substantially along direction 380.

A forward portion of opening 322 may be enclosed by a forward covering(e.g., cap 330) to seal the forward portion of opening 322 and prevententrance of moisture and/or other contaminants. For example, a gasket333 may be used to create a seal between cap 330 and housing 321.Further, cap 330 may be secured to housing 321 with one or more bolts343. Cap 330 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum), plastic (e.g.,Lexan resin), composite material (e.g., glass-filled nylon), and/or anycombination thereof. For example, the material of cap 330 may beselected to optimize performance characteristics such as strength, heatconduction, and/or to minimize weight.

A PCBA 335 may be secured to cap 330 within opening 322 by one or morebolts, bonds, buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners, hooks, knobs,latches, links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any other connections, or by anycombination thereof. For example, PCBA 335 may be secured to cap 330with one or more bolts 339. PCBA 335 may include one or more LEDs (e.g.,LEDs 371, 376) electrically connected thereto, and may include controlcircuitry for controlling power supplied to the one or more LEDs. PCBA335 and/or the one or more LEDs may produce heat as a byproduct duringoperation.

Cap 330 may include a body 331, which may be capable of receiving one ormore fasteners (e.g., bolts 339, 348), and may serve to conduct heataway from PCBA 335 and/or the one or more LEDs. Further, cap 330 mayinclude one or more fins 332, which may conduct heat away from body 331,and may dissipate heat into the environment exterior to lighting module320. A mounting apparatus 360 may be mounted to body 331, and may enablelighting module 320 to be secured to bar 305.

A reflector 340 may be located within opening 322 for redistributinglight from the one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 371, 376). Reflector 340 maybe secured to housing 321 and/or cap 330 by bolts 348. For example,reflector 340 may have one or more wedges 347 extending from an outersurface 346 to engage with bolts 348. Wedges 347 may be received intoone or more seats 325 of housing 321. Thus, in this example, each bolt343 may extend through a wedge 347, a seat 325, and into body 331 of cap330.

Housing 321 may include one or more prongs 326 extending within opening322, which may enable attachment of a rearward covering (e.g., media 450of FIG. 4) to seal a rearward portion of opening 322 and prevententrance of moisture and/or other contaminants (e.g., as furtherdescribed with respect to prongs 426 of FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a lighting module 420. In general,a forward direction is indicated by arrow 470 and a rearward directionis indicated by arrow 480. While the present embodiment may be describedas a rearward facing lighting module or a lighting module emitting lightin rearward direction 480, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the present invention may be oriented to emit light inany direction.

Lighting module 420 may include a housing 421 with an opening 422extending therethrough for containing components of the lighting module420. A cap 430 may enclose and/or seal a forward portion of opening 422(e.g., via gasket 433). A mounting apparatus 460 may be secured to cap430 to enable mounting of lighting module 420 to bar 405. Mountingapparatus 460 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum), plastic (e.g.,Lexan resin), composite material (e.g., glass-filled nylon), and/or anycombination thereof. Mounting apparatus 460 may include a mountingbracket 461 secured to cap 430 and a mounting arm 466 for engagementwith bar 405. Mounting bracket 461 may be secured to cap 430 and/orhousing 421 by one or more fasteners (e.g., via bolts 569 of FIG. 5).Mounting bracket 461 may include surfaces for attachment of mounting arm466 and bar 405 (e.g., surfaces 462-464).

Mounting arm 466 may extend at least partially around bar 405 to securelighting module 420 to bar 405. For example, mounting arm 466 may extendaround more than half a circumference of bar 405. In another example,arm 466 may extend from a first surface 462 of mounting bracket 461 andmay extend around a substantial portion of the circumference of bar 405to a second surface 463 of mounting bracket 461. Mounting arm 466 may besecured to first and second surfaces 462, 463 by one or more bolts,bonds, buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners, hooks, knobs,latches, links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any other connections, or by anycombination thereof. For example, mounting arm 466 may be secured tofirst and second surfaces 462, 463 by one or more bolts 468 extendingthrough one or more apertures 467 in each end of mounting arm 466.

First and second surfaces 462, 463 may be parallel or non-parallel tofacilitate attachment of mounting arm 466 around bar 405. For example,first surface 462 may be at an angle with respect to second surface 463.In another example, the angle may be between about 10 degrees and about140 degrees (e.g., about 66 degrees). In another example, first andsecond surfaces 462, 463 may each be offset by an angular offset 481from a horizontal plane 482 extending through a center of mountingbracket 461. For example, angular offset 481 may be between about 10degrees and about 60 degrees (e.g., about 33 degrees). In anotherexample, angular offset 481 may be between about 5 degrees and about 70degrees (e.g., about 33 degrees). In another example, first and secondsurfaces 462, 463 may converge from a forward position to a rearwardposition along mounting bracket 461 to enable variable positioning ofmounting arm 466.

Mounting bracket 461 may have one or more slots 465 extendingtherethrough for receiving bolts 468. For example, slots 465 may extendfrom a forward portion of bracket 461 to a depth less than the depth ofbracket 461. In another example, slots 465 may extend through aninterior of bracket 461 (e.g., between a forward and a rearward portionof bracket 461).

Mounting arm 466 may be capable of sliding forwardly and/or rearwardlyalong first and second surfaces 462, 463, and bolts 468 may be capableof moving forwardly and/or rearwardly through slots 465, to accommodatedifferent sized bars 405. For example, as bolt 468 is tightened,mounting arm 466 may slide rearwardly across first and second surfaces462, 463, and bolt 468 may slide rearwardly through slot 465, to securelighting module 420 to bar 405. In another example, as bolt 468 isloosened, mounting arm 466 may be capable of sliding forwardly acrossfirst and second surfaces 462, 463, and bolt 468 may be capable ofsliding forwardly through slot 465, to unsecure lighting module 420 frombar 405. In another example, tightening of bolt 468 may cause bar 405 tobe held securely against a forward surface of mounting bracket 461(e.g., against a third surface 464).

Bolt 468 may exhibit a range of motion within slot 465 to enablesecurement of lighting module 420 to different sized bars 405. Forexample, bolt 468 may be tightened to a first tightness corresponding toa forward position in slot 465. In this position, mounting arm 466 maybe capable of extending around and enabling securement to a bar 405having a first diameter (e.g., 2 inches). In another example, bolt 468may be tightened to a second tightness corresponding to a rearwardposition in slot 465. In this position, mounting arm 466 may be capableof extending around and enabling securement to a bar 405 having a seconddiameter (e.g., 1.75 inches). The first diameter may be larger than thesecond diameter.

In another example, bolt 468 may be tightened a distance between about0.1 and about 0.7 inches between the first tightness and the secondtightness (e.g., about 0.4 inches). In another example, bolt 463 may becapable of being tightened in a range corresponding to securement withbars having a diameter of between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches.In another example, bolt 468 may be capable of sliding between about 0.1inches and about 0.7 inches within slot 465 (e.g., about 0.33 inches).In another example, the ratio of the sliding motion of bolt 468 to thetightening motion of bolt 468 may be between about 1:2 and about 2:1(e.g., about 4:5). A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat various dimensions may be possible beyond the examples given.

Lighting module 420 may be installed onto a bar 405 in the followingmanner: First, arm 466 may be extended around bar 405. Second, the oneor more fasteners 468 may be extended through the one or more apertures467 in arm 466. Third, lighting module 420 with pre-mounted bracket 461may be connected to arm 466 by passing first and second surfaces 462,463 between opposing ends of arm 466, and by weaving fasteners 468 intothe one or more slots 465. Fourth, tightening fasteners 468 until arm466 is held securely against first and second surfaces 462, 463, and/oruntil bar 405 is held securely against third surface 464. A person ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that alternative orders forattachment may exist.

In an alternative embodiment, mounting bracket 461 may facilitate inattachment of lighting module 420 to a structure other than a bar. Forexample, mounting bracket 461 may closely resemble an “L” bracket havinga first surface capable of attachment to cap 430 and a second surfacecapable of attachment to the structure. Attachment may be facilitated byone or more bolts, bonds, buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners,hooks, knobs, latches, links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any otherconnections, or by any combination thereof. For example, mountingbracket 461 may enable lighting module 420 to be attached to a panel, abumper, a wheel well, a door, a window, or any other number of brackets,vehicle elements, and static structure elements, such as attachment to abracket which also carries a spare wheel for the intended vehicle.

A PCBA 435 with one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 270-234 of FIG. 2) may besecured to cap 430 within opening 422 to emit light in a first direction(e.g., in direction 480). A reflector 440 may be placed within opening422 for redistributing light from the one or more LEDs. Reflector 440may be formed of a material having a high reflectivity, or may be formedof some other material with a high reflectivity coating applied.

A rearward portion of opening 422 may be enclosed by a rearward covering(e.g., via media 450) to seal the rearward portion of opening 422 andprevent entrance of moisture and/or other contaminants. Media 450 mayhave a face portion 451 extending substantially across opening 422. Faceportion 451 may be sealed to housing 421 by a gasket 453 interposedtherebetween. Media 450 may have a perimeter portion 452 extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to face portion 451, such that perimeterportion 452 may extend into opening 422 between reflector 440 andhousing 421.

Face portion 451 may be smooth, or may have surface characteristics(e.g., 454, 456) to subtend light (e.g., collimate, focus, and/ordiffuse light) transmitted therethrough. Further, the surfacecharacteristics may be on an interior surface of face portion 451 and/oron an exterior surface of face portion 451. For example, surfacecharacteristics 454, 456 may include any one or more of beads, bumps,concavities, convexities, corner cube geometries, channels (e.g., “v”cut channels), depressions, dimples, dips, hollows, impressions,indentations, notches, scoops, troughs, or any combination thereof. Forexample, surface characteristics 454, including a trough, may extendaround a perimeter of the exterior surface of face portion 451. Inanother example, surface characteristics 456, including corner cubegeometry, may extend across a portion of the interior surface of faceportion 451 (e.g., in discrete zones and/or lettering).

Thus, light emitted by one or more LEDs may pass directly to, or may bereflected by, reflector 440 to face portion 451. For example, theemitted light may be transmitted through surface characteristics 456,then may be transmitted through face portion 451, and may pass to anexterior of lighting module 420. In another example, the emitted lightmay be transmitted through face portion 451, then may be transmittedthrough surface characteristics 454, and may pass to an exterior oflighting module 420. In another example, the emitted light may betransmitted through surface characteristics 456, then may be transmittedthrough face portion 451, then may be transmitted through surfacecharacteristics 454, and may pass to an exterior of lighting module 420.

Perimeter portion 452 may extend around a perimeter of the interiorsurface of face portion 451, such that reflector 440 extends intoperimeter portion 452 and/or perimeter portion 452 extends around anouter surface of reflector 440 (e.g., surface 346 of FIG. 3). Further,perimeter portion 452 may be smooth, or may have surface characteristics(e.g., surface characteristics 457) to subtend light (e.g., collimate,focus, and/or diffuse light) transmitted therethrough. For example,surface characteristics 457 may include any one or more of beads, bumps,concavities, convexities, corner cube geometries, channels (e.g., “v”cut channels), depressions, dimples, dips, hollows, impressions,indentations, notches, scoops, troughs, or any combination thereof. Forexample, surface characteristics 457, including “v” cut channels, whichmay extend around perimeter portion 452 on a forward surface thereof.

Thus, light emitted by one or more LEDs may pass directly to, or may bereflected by reflector 440 to perimeter portion 452. For example, theemitted light may be transmitted through surface characteristics 457,then may be transmitted through perimeter portion 452, then may betransmitted through face portion 451, and may pass to an exterior oflighting module 420. In another example, the emitted light may betransmitted through surface characteristics 457, then may be transmittedthrough perimeter portion 452, then may be transmitted through faceportion 451, then may be transmitted through surface characteristics454, and may pass to an exterior of lighting module 420. Thus, theperimeter portion 452 of media 450 may operate as a light pipe and media450 may transmit light emitted by one or more LEDs from inside opening422 to an exterior of lighting module 420.

In addition to causing the collimation, focusing, and/or diffusion oflight emitted by one or more LEDs, the surface characteristics (e.g.,454, 456, 457) may enable the reflection of light from exterior tolighting module 420 (e.g., light emitted by another vehicle, or ambientlight). For example, light emitted by an external light source towardsurface characteristics 454, 456, 457, may appear to cause one or moreof a gleaming, glistening, glowing, mirroring, reflecting, refracting,shimmering, shining, and/or sparkling effect, or any combinationthereof.

Moreover, the reflected light may be directed via the light-pipeproperties of perimeter portion 452 to specific regions of media 450.For example, a halo effect may be created when external light incidentupon the surface characteristics (e.g., 454, 456, 457) may be redirectedby the light-pipe properties of perimeter portion 452 such that thereflected light may be seen by an observer as highlighting a perimeterregion of media 450 (e.g., providing a halo of light around theperimeter of media 450). In addition, other features (e.g., brandingfeatures) may be embedded within central portions of media 450 andcaused to reflect light indicative of the other features (e.g., appearas if the other features glow) when external light incident upon thesurface characteristics (e.g., 454, 456, 457) is directed via thelight-pipe properties of perimeter portion 452 to such other features.

In an alternative embodiment, perimeter portion 452 may be formedseparately from face portion 451, and may nestle together duringinstallation. Abutting surfaces of face portion 451 and perimeterportion 452 may be smooth and/or may include surface characteristics asherein described. The inclusion of surface characteristics between faceportion 451 and perimeter portion 452 may serve to further subtend light(e.g., collimate, focus, and/or diffuse light) transmitted therethrough.

Media 450 may be secured to housing 421 and/or cap 430 by one or morebolts, bonds, buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners, hooks, knobs,latches, links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any other connections, or by anycombination thereof. For example, media 450 may be snap fitted tohousing 421 within opening 422, where perimeter portion 452 may have oneor more tabs 458 extending forwardly for mating engagement with one ormore prongs 426 of housing 421. In an alternative embodiment, tabs 458may extend forwardly from face portion 451, adjacent to perimeterportion 452 for mating engagement with one or more prongs 426 of housing421.

The tabs (e.g., tabs 458) of either embodiment may be flexible and/orcompliant. In another example, media 450 may be inserted into opening422 until tabs 458 matingly engage with prongs 426. In another example,insertion of media 450 into opening 422 may cause tabs 458 to deflectover prongs 426 until each prong 426 is able to matingly engage witheach tab 458. Further, the engagement may be provided for by an opening459 in a forward end of tabs 458, such that tabs 458 snap over, onto,and/or around prongs 426 or prongs 426 are inserted into openings 459.Media 450 may be held securely against housing 421 by the engagement oftabs 458 and prongs 426 (e.g., with gasket 453 interposed between media450 and housing 421).

Media 450 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, and/or may haveregions of transparency, translucence, or opaqueness. Further, media 450may have colored regions (e.g., red, blue, amber, or white). Forexample, face portion 451 may be transparent. In another example,perimeter portion 452 may be translucent. In another example, faceportion 451 may be clear. In another example, perimeter portion 452 maybe red (e.g., where it is desirable for light emitted by a particularfunctional group of LEDs to appear red to those viewing the lightingmodule 420). While face portion 451 and perimeter portion 452 have beenidentified as discrete regions to which color and/or transparency may beapplied, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that amedia 450 may be segmented into various regions to optimize lighting orsignaling effect.

Housing 421 may have a second opening 426 substantially perpendicular toopening 422 (e.g., in a bottom side wall of housing 421). Opening 428may be substantially smaller than opening 422. A second media 455 may bepositioned in a covering relationship with opening 423. For example,media 455 may seal opening 428 (e.g., via a gasket 429). In anotherexample, gasket 429 may both seal media 455 to housing 421, and securemedia 455 in place. Media 455 may be appropriately shaped so as to beheld in place by gasket 429.

A second PCBA 436 with one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs 485) may be securedto one or more of PCBA 435, cap 430, and/or housing 421 to enableemission of light in a second direction (e.g., in downward direction495). For example, PCBA 436 may be electrically connected to PCBA 435.In another example, PCBA 436 may be at least partially secured by one ormore hooks 427 in housing 421. In another example, PCBA 436 may be atleast partially secured by gasket 429. In another example, PCBA 436 maybe at least partially secured by one or more tabs 437 in cap 430. Inanother example, PCBA 436 may be secured by hook 427, gasket 428, andtab 437 collectively.

PCBA 436 may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to PCBA 435, suchthat LEDs 485 emit light substantially perpendicularly to light emittedby LEDs corresponding to PCBA 435 (e.g., LEDs 270-284, of FIG. 2).Further, light emitted by LEDs 485 may pass through media 455 to theexterior of lighting module 420. For example, where LEDs correspondingto PCB 435 emit light substantially in direction 480, LEDs 485 may emitlight substantially in direction 495 (e.g., onto the ground and/or intoa seating/storage space in the vehicle). In another example, an operatorof the vehicle may be capable of selecting one or more modes ofoperation of lighting module 420 corresponding to emission of light byLEDs 485, and/or selecting one or more modes of operation of LEDs 485simultaneously with one or more modes of operation associated with otherLEDs (e.g., LEDs 270-284 of FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module 520. Ingeneral, a forward direction is indicated by arrow 570 and a rearwarddirection is indicated by arrow 530. While the present embodiment may bedescribed as a rearward facing lighting module or a lighting moduleemitting light in rearward direction 580, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the present invention could be oriented toemit light in any direction.

Lighting module 520 may include a hollow housing 521 enclosed and/orsealed by cap 530 at a forward end thereof. A mounting apparatus 560 maybe mounted to cap 530, and may enable lighting module 520 to be securedto a bar (e.g., bar 105 of FIG. 1). Mounting apparatus 560 may besecured to cap 530 and/or housing 521 by one or more bolts, bonds,buckles, catches, clasps, clips, fasteners, hooks, knobs, latches,links, pegs, pins, snaps, or any other connections, or by anycombination thereof. For example, mounting apparatus 560 may be mountedto cap 530 and/or housing 521 by one or more bolts 569.

The lighting module 520 may receive power from a cable 534 connected atone end to a PCBA (not shown) within housing 521. Cable 534 may extendthrough an aperture (not shown) in housing 521 and/or through anaperture 519 in cap 530 to an exterior of lighting module 520. Forexample, cable 534 may extend through cap 530 from a forward side oflighting module 520 (as illustrated in FIG. 5). In another example,cable 534 may be sealed within aperture 519 by a gasket (not shown).Cable 534 may be connected to an opposite end to a source of electricalpower (e.g., a battery of an off-road vehicle, such as battery 602 ofFIG. 6).

Cap 530 may have one or more fins 532 extending forwardly from lightingmodule 520 to enable dissipation of heat generated within housing 521(e.g., as described with reference to fins 332 of FIG. 3). Further, fins532 may have a curved forward profile, such that fins 532 extendforwardly without interfering with securement of lighting module 520 toa bar (e.g., bar 405 of FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a lighting system 610 having oneor more lighting modules (e.g., lighting modules 620A-620E) integratedin a vehicle 600. In general, a forward direction of vehicle 600 isindicated by arrow 670, and a rearward direction is indicated by arrow630. While the present embodiment may be described as a rearward facinglighting module or a lighting module emitting light in rearwarddirection 680 a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe present invention could be oriented to emit light in any direction(e.g., such as into the plane of the paper depicted as downwarddirection 695 or in sideward directions 696 and 697). Vehicle 600 may beany one or more of an off-road vehicle, a privately owned vehicle, acommercially owned vehicle, a racing vehicle, an industrial vehicle, afarming vehicle, or any other vehicle driven in twilight, dusk,night-time, low-visibility, and/or adverse weather conditions.

Vehicle 600 may have a control system 601 that may provide a manuallycontrolled lighting system (e.g., a dashboard with switches, buttons,and/or other controls) for use by an operator of vehicle 600 duringoperation of vehicle systems to provide direct control of the emissionof light from lighting system 610 and an automatically controlledlighting system (e.g., brake signals, reverse direction signals and turnindicators) that may be activated automatically by vehicle 600 inresponse to indirect operator input during operation (e.g., the operatormay apply the brakes, place the transmission into reverse or signal aturn). A power source (e.g., a battery 602) may provide power to controlsystem 601 to power the vehicle systems, and may provide power tolighting modules 620A-620E via control system 601. The lighting system610 may be integrated with the control system 601 of vehicle 600, suchthat the lighting system 610 may be controlled by control system 601.For example, lighting system 610 may include a single lighting module(e.g., lighting module 120 of FIG. 1). In another example, lightingsystem 610 may include two or more lighting modules. In another example,lighting system 610 may include five lighting modules 620A, 620B, 620C,620D, and 620E.

Each lighting module 620A-620E may be independently mounted to astructural element of vehicle 600 (e.g., to bar 405 via mountingapparatus 460 of FIG. 4). The lighting modules 620A-620E may each bemounted uniformly so that light may be emitted from vehicle 600 in firstand second directions (e.g., in rearward direction 680 and downwarddirection 695). Alternatively, lighting modules 620A-620E may be mountednon-uniformly so that light from one or more lighting modules may beemitted from vehicle 600 in first and second directions (e.g., inrearward direction 680 and downward direction 695), while light from oneor more other lighting modules may be emitted from vehicle 600 in secondand third directions (e.g., in downward direction 695 and to a side ofvehicle 600 in directions 696 and/or 697).

Each of lighting modules 620A-620E may be independently and/orcollectively connected to control system 601 (e.g., via path 603) foroperation thereby. Although path 603 is illustrated as a single set ofwires extending to control system 601, a person of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that path 603 may be duplicated and/or modified inorder to enable control system 601 to individually and/or collectivelycontrol each of lighting modules 620A-620E. Furthermore, power frombattery 602 may be provided to lighting modules 620A-620E directly viapath 604 and/or indirectly through control system 601 (e.g., via path603).

Each of lighting modules 620A-620E may have one or more LEDs (e.g., LEDs270-284 of FIG. 2), and LEDs may be grouped into one or more operationalgroups, such that each lighting module may have one or more operationalgroups of LEDs. For example, each lighting module 620A-620E may have thesame and/or different numbers of operational groups of LEDs. In anotherexample, each lighting modules 620A-620E may have three operationalgroups.

To increase versatility of lighting system 610, each operational groupof LEDs of each lighting module may be independently and/or collectivelyoperable by control system 601 at one or more power levels and/or in oneor more modes of operation. For example, each operational group mayoperate simultaneously at one power level in one mode of operation. Inanother example, each operational group may operate simultaneously atdifferent power levels in another mode of operation. In another example,each operational group may operate independently at one or more powerlevels, the operation of each operational group corresponding to adifferent mode of operation of lighting system 610. In another example,one or more operational groups may be capable of operating at anintermittent power level in one mode of operation (e.g., a strobingfeature). In another example, a first operational group may operateinterdependently with a second operational group, such that operation ofthe first operational group may cause a change in the operation of thesecond operational group. In another example, a first operational groupfrom each of lighting modules 620A-620E may operate collectively, asecond operational group from each of lighting modules 620A-620E mayoperate collectively, and a third operational group from each oflighting modules 620A-620E may operate collectively. In another example,the control circuitry in each lighting module may include amicrocontroller which enables light emitted from each lighting module tobe altered in duration, frequency, power level, luminance, and/or color.In another example, each microcontroller may enable two or more lightingmodules to be synced (e.g., such that a strobing feature of eachlighting module operates on the same frequency and duration). Forexample, path 603 may include wires connected at a common hub to controlsystem 601, such that when control system 601 is not sending signalsand/or power to lighting modules 620A-620E, lighting modules 620A-620Emay communication with each other (e.g., via electrical signals). Inanother example, lighting modules 620A-620E may communicate wirelessly(e.g., via radio frequency, Bluetooth, or by any other wireless means).A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a pluralityof operating modes may be possible to incorporate various operatingconditions, duration, frequency, color and power levels for eachoperational group in each lighting module of lighting system 610.

Each lighting module 620A-620E may have one or more colors associatedwith each operational group to enable various signaling optionscorresponding to vehicle operating conditions. For example, lightingmodules 620A and 620E may have a first operational group of LEDs whichemit white light (e.g., LEDs 270, 271 of FIG. 2), may have a secondoperational group of LEDs which emit red light (e.g., LEDs 272-284 ofFIG. 2), and/or may have a third operational group of LEDs which emitwhite light (e.g., LEDs 485 of FIG. 4). In another example, lightingmodules 620B and 620D may have similar operational groups to lightingmodules 620A and 620E, except that the second operational group of LEDsmay emit amber light. In another example, lighting module 620C may havesimilar operational groups to the other modules, except that the secondoperational group of LEDs may emit blue light.

In the above examples, the second operational groups of modules 620A,620B, 620D, and 620E may be operated independently and/or collectively,such that red and/or amber light may be emitted at a first power level(e.g., corresponding to running lights of vehicle 600). Further, thesecond operational group of module 620C may be operated independentlyand/or collectively with the second operational groups of the othermodules, such that blue light may be emitted at the first power level(e.g., if the operator of vehicle 600 desires to signal to othervehicles that vehicle 600 is moving slowly). Further, each of the secondoperational groups may be capable of being operated at an intermittentpower level (e.g., strobing to simulate hazard lights).

Each of the second operational groups of modules 620A-620E may beoperated independently, interdependently and/or collectively, such thatred, amber, and/or blue light may be emitted at a second power level(e.g., corresponding to brake lights of vehicle 600). Thus, if red,amber, and/or blue running lights are active when the operator steps onthe brake pedal, each active lighting module will be stepped up to thesecond power level. The second power level may be greater than the firstpower level.

In the above examples, the first operational groups of each of lightingmodules 620A-620E may be operated independently and/or collectively,such that white light may be emitted at a third power level (e.g.,corresponding to a reverse driving condition of vehicle 600). The thirdpower level may be the same as, greater than, or less than the secondpower level. Thus, if the operator puts the vehicle transmission (notshown) in a reverse driving condition, red, amber, and/or blue light maybe disengaged, and white light may be emitted from the first operationalgroups of LEDs, such that the activation of the first operational groupof LEDs (e.g., white lights) override the operation of the secondoperational group (e.g., the red, amber, and/or blue lights). In thepresent example, the operator may be able to see clearly while operatingvehicle 600 in the reverse driving condition. Further, other vehicles inthe area may be able to clearly see that vehicle 600 may be moving in arearward direction 680.

In the above examples, the third operational groups of each of lightingmodules 620A-620E may be operated, such that white light may be emittedat a fourth power level (e.g., corresponding to scene lighting withinand/or immediately around vehicle 600). The fourth power level may bethe same as, greater than, or less than the second and/or the thirdpower levels. Furthermore, the third operational groups of each lightingmodule may be operable independently and/or collectively with the firstand second operational groups. Thus, an operator may be able to activatethe third operational groups (e.g., cabin lights) despite any other modeof operation of lighting system 610.

While the above example was described in terms of five lighting modules,each having three operational groups of LEDs, a person of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that more or less lighting modules and moreor less operational groups may be possible to produce lighting systemswith the desired level of lighting versatility and function. Forexample, a lighting system may include one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, or more lighting modules. In another example,each lighting module may include one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, or more operational groups of LEDs. Forexample, a lighting system 610 may include only a single lighting module(e.g., lighting module 120 of FIG. 1), and the lighting module may havethree operational groups of LEDs. A single lighting module with threeoperational groups may be capable of providing several signaling optionsto a vehicle operator (e.g., running lights, brake lights, signallights, hazard lights, reverse lights, and/or scene lights). Thus, evena single lighting module may have a high level of versatility and/oradaptability in operation.

Further, while the above example was described as having twowhite/red/white lighting modules, two white/amber/white lightingmodules, and one white/blue/white lighting modules, a person of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that more or less of each of thesecolors and/or the use of additional colors may be selected to produce adesired color effect and/or signaling effect. For example, an operatormay desire to use LEDs emitting green, purple, black, or other lightspectrums (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet).

Furthermore, while a change in power levels has been described as a wayto adjust the luminance of light emitted by one or more LEDs, a personof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that luminance may beeffectively altered using other known methods. For example, analogdiming, duty cycle modulation, frequency modulation, and/or pulse widthmodulation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a lighting module 720. Thelighting module 720 may include a hollow housing 721 that is at leastpartially enclosed by a cap 730. Cap 730 may have one or more fins 732extending therefrom to enable dissipation of heat produced within thehollow housing 721. A breather 736 may be adhered or otherwise connectedto cap 730 over an orifice (not shown) extending through cap 730 toenable equalization of pressure within hollow housing 721. Accordingly,breather 736 may enable passage of air into and/or out of hollow housing721, but may prevent other gasses, liquids, and/or solids from passinginto hollow housing 721. Alternatively, breather 736 may be configuredto cover an orifice (not shown) in housing 721.

A mounting apparatus 760 may be mounted to cap 730, which may enablelighting module 720 to be secured to a bar or other structural element(e.g., bar 105 of FIG. 1). The mounting apparatus 760 may include amounting arm 766 extending at least partially around the bar, and amounting bracket 761 which may enable tightening of mounting arm 766into an interference fit with the bar. To prevent lighting module 720from translating and/or rotating with respect to the bar or structuralelement, one or both of mounting bracket 761 and mounting arm 766 mayinclude one or more bumpers 768. Bumpers 766 may be formed of anelastomer (e.g., rubber), plastic (e.g., Lexan resin), compositematerial (e.g., glass-filled nylon), and/or any combination thereof.

For example, two bumpers 768 may be configured to extend from mountingbracket 761 to contact the bar (e.g., as exemplified in FIG. 7). Inanother example, two bumpers 761 may extend from mounting bracket 761with a spacing therebetween that is greater than or equal to themounting arm 766 (e.g., extending beyond the mounting arm 766). Inanother example, each bumper 768 may be capable of deforming and/orcompressing into a depression 769 of the mounting bracket 760, such thatthe bar may contact the mounting bracket 760 when the mounting arm 766is tightened (e.g., contacting third surface 464 of FIG. 4).

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended, therefore,that the specification and illustrated embodiments be considered asexamples only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention beingindicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting module coupled to a vehicle controlsystem, the lighting module comprising: a housing with an openingtherein; a first operational group of light sources arranged within theopening and configured to emit light in response to a first vehicleoperating condition; a second operational group of light sourcesarranged within the opening and configured to emit light in response toa second vehicle operating condition; and a third operational group oflight sources arranged within the opening and configured to emit lightindependently of any vehicle operating condition.
 2. The lighting moduleof claim 1, wherein the light sources include light emitting diodes. 3.The lighting module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operationalgroups of light sources is configured to emit light in a firstdirection, and at least one of the operational groups of light sourcesis configured to emit light in a second direction.
 4. The lightingmodule of claim 1, further including a mounting apparatus coupled to thehousing, the mounting apparatus including, a mounting bracket includinga first surface and a second surface angularly offset from the firstsurface; and a mounting arm capable of extending around a structuralelement, the mounting arm including opposing ends configured to becoupled to the first and second surfaces, respectively, wherein opposingends of the mounting arm are moveable with respect to the first andsecond surfaces to secure the structural element.
 5. The lighting moduleof claim 1, further including a first media, the first media including,a face portion configured to enclose the opening; and a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the face portion, the perimeterportion having a thickness substantially greater than the face portion.6. The lighting module of claim 5, wherein the face portion and theperimeter portion are formed separately.
 7. The lighting module of claim5, further including one or more surface characteristics configured onthe first media to subtend light emitted by one or more of theoperational groups of light sources; wherein the surface characteristicsare selected from the group including beads, bumps, concavities,convexities, corner cube geometries, channels, depressions, dimples,dips, hollows, impressions, indentations, notches, scoops, troughs, andany combination thereof.
 8. The lighting module of claim 7, wherein thefirst operational group of light sources emit light through one or moreof the face portion and the one or more surface characteristics.
 9. Thelighting module of claim 7, wherein the second operational group oflight sources emit light through one or more of the perimeter portion,the face portion, and the one or more surface characteristics.
 10. Thelighting module of claim 1, further including a controller arrangedwithin the opening and configured to communicate with one or more of thevehicle control system and another lighting module.
 11. The lightingmodule of claim 1, wherein the first and second vehicle operatingconditions are one or more of a driving condition, a reverse drivingcondition, a braking condition, a turn signaling condition, a hazardsignaling condition, or any combination thereof.
 12. The lighting moduleof claim 1, further including a second media; wherein the thirdoperational group of light sources emit light through the second media.13. A lighting module coupled to a vehicle control system, the lightingmodule comprising: a housing with a first opening facing a firstdirection and a second opening facing a second direction; a firstoperational group of light sources arranged within the first opening andconfigured to emit light in response to a first vehicle operatingcondition; a second operational group of light sources arranged withinthe first opening and configured to emit light in response to a secondvehicle operating condition; and a third operational group of lightsources arranged within the second opening and configured to emit lightindependently of any vehicle operating condition.
 14. The lightingmodule of claim 13, wherein the light sources include light emittingdiodes.
 15. The lighting module of claim 13, wherein the first andsecond operational groups of light sources are configured to emit lightin the first direction, and the third operational group of light sourcesis configured to emit light in the second direction.
 16. The lightingmodule of claim 13, wherein the first and second vehicle operatingconditions are one or more of a driving condition, a reverse drivingcondition, a braking condition, a turn signaling condition, a hazardsignaling condition, or any combination thereof.
 17. A method,comprising: providing a lighting module in communication with a vehiclecontrol system emitting light from a first operational group of lightsources through a first opening of the lighting module in response to afirst vehicle operating condition; emitting light from a secondoperational group of light sources through the first opening in responseto a second vehicle operating condition; and emitting light from a thirdoperational group of light sources through a second opening of thelighting module independently of any vehicle operating condition. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the first, second, and third operationalgroups of light sources are LEDs.
 19. The lighting module of claim 17,wherein the first and second operational groups of light sources areconfigured to emit light in a first direction, and the third operationalgroup of light sources is configured to emit light in a seconddirection.
 20. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond operational groups of light sources are configured to emit lightrearwardly, and the third operational group of light sources isconfigured to emit light downwardly.